To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Conover, 19 December 1807

While the nations of europe have been convulsed with war, we have, under the auspices of your wise administration remained at peace, and cultivated the fields of science; but the crisis seems fast arriving, which portends that, we shall soon be either swallowed up in the vortex of Charybdis, or dashed to peices on the rock of Scylla: The same wisdom which has carried us through so many perils & dangers, will under providence, enable you to navigate our political bark between the rocks & whirlpools, and convey us into the harbour of safety.— As you have contributed much to the Science of government & of Philosophy, allow me to draw your attention for one moment from the business of the Cabinet, & offer for your consideration the enclosed memoir: As our volume will not be published so soon by six months as was expected, I take the liberty of obtruding this paper upon you, & I hope you will, as President of the Society, excuse me, and if it should be found to be either new or intertaining (as the former is esteemed) I shall feel much gratified.—

I remain with sentiments of the highest consideration, Your Excellencies Most Obnt Vry Hble. Svt.